PM Modi says people get alarmed on hearing 'Om', 'cow'; Congress, AIMIM hit out at PM
Saying that PM Modi should focus on GDP, the Congress party added that the PM is speaking like a pope. The PM had said that some people feel that 'om' and 'cow' will take the country back to 16th century.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the launch of National Animal Disease Control Programme in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura | Photo Credit: IANS
Key Highlights
- PM Narendra Modi said that it is unfortunate that some people feel that the country will regress the moment they hear the words 'Om' and 'cow'
- The Congress and Left have hit out at the Prime Minister for his remark
Mathura: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sparked a debate when he called it unfortunate that some people feel that the country will move back to the 16th century the moment they hear the word "Om" and "cow".
The opposition parties have hit out at the Prime Minister for his remark.
PM Modi was speaking at the inauguration of 'Swachhta Hi Seva' Programme 2019, National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), and National Artificial Insemination Programme in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura.
"There is a country called Rwanda in Africa. I had gone there. In Rwanda, there is a unique programme, where the government gives cows to villages with the condition that the first female calf born to the cow is taken back and given to those who do not have a cow," he said.
"This way a chain operates. And their endeavour is that in Rwanda every household should have a cow, milk production and animal rearing, which forms the base of the economy. I have myself seen how a network to earn a livelihood through a cow has been established there," PM Modi said.
"Iss desh ka durbhagya hai ki kuchh logo ke kaan par agar 'om' aur 'gaaye' shabd padhta hai, toh unke baal khade ho jate hain, unko lagta hai desh 16th shatabdi mein chala gaya. Aisa gyaan, desh barbaad karne walo ne desh barbaad karne mein kuchh baaki nahi chhoda hai (But it is unfortunate for this country that when some people hear the words 'om' and 'cow', they get goosebumps. They think that the country has regressed to the 16th century. Such wisdom! Those who wanted to ruin the country have left no stone in ruining it)."
The comment has drawn the ire of the Opposition, with Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed tweeting that some people stay mum whenever they hear the words 'economy' and 'unemployment'.
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Commenting on the statement made by the PM, All India Majlis Ittehadul-e-Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi said: "Cow is a sacred animal for our Hindu brothers but in the Constitution, the right to life and equality has been given to humans. I hope the PM will keep it in mind."
In the meantime, the PM, while speaking in Mathura, said: "In the last 100 days, we have done unprecedented job. I believe that we will continue to get your support for the development of the nation.”
He further said that now when the whole world was looking for a role model for environmental conservation, India can look up to Lord Krishna for "inspiration”.
He also hailed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for "fighting against encephalitis".
"Yogi Adityanath fought all his life against encephalitis and brought it to the attention of Parliament and country. However, a few vested interest groups blamed his government for deaths of children due to the disease but Yogi ji's spirit was not deterred and he continued his work," said the PM.
PM Modi launched 16 projects of Uttar Pradesh government related to tourism, livestock, and road construction.